Laboratory Testing

Each year, we conduct more than one million tests and measurements using the most advanced technology and equipment available at our state-of-the-art, world-renowned research laboratory in Belleville, Illinois, and at our local utility labs. Since it’s opening in 1981, the Belleville lab has been dedicated to drinking water analysis and quality measurement. Our local labs test the water many times each day, at set intervals, as it moves through the water treatment process.

Our skilled and dedicated team of research professionals test water samples from all over the country to protect against nearly 100 potential contaminants. Since 1993, American Water’s research team has won over a dozen awards for our research, and routinely interacts with prominent researchers, universities, and organizations, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency. In fact, the Belleville lab provides input to the USEPA as they develop federal standards and guidelines for safe drinking water – a fact we are immensely proud of.

In the past several years, and all over the country, we’ve received more than 150 awards for superior water quality from state regulators, industry organizations, individual communities, and government and environmental agencies. Treating and delivering water is an intricate and involved process. From the moment the water leaves its source and begins its journey through our highly sophisticated treatment plants, into underground pipes, to its final destination, our teams of professional scientists and plant operators are working to oversee its passage. We closely monitor its movement, and test it frequently.

Providing the highest quality water possible to our customers is our top priority and the tests conducted in our labs help to make that possible every day.